The Minnesota landscape has looked a bit different this season. They say we're in a 'snow drought'. Last night, we were blanketed with 4-5" in our little corner of the world. Beforehand, I don't believe we had much snow accumulation since the holidays. It is a welcome site to have this season finally look its part.
The word winter is said to come from Old English and Germanic roots, meaning "wet" or "time of water", referring to the rain and snow in cold, northernly lands. We haven't had much precipitation. That is a bit concerning as to what Spring and Summer will bring. I'm thankful our farmland tends to have more moisture. The soils are heavy, which means we can get by easier in drought conditions.
On the other hand, a snow pack is important not only for moisture to seep into warming soil but it also serves to protect plant materials from crown damage by the 'freeze and thaw' that often happens mid-winter. And it provides habitat for small creatures. Think subnivean zone...like an under-snow city of tunnels and tracks. You can see where the mice lived, after the snow melts, revealing crisscrossing trails in the lawn. That can also mean more damage to stems, bark and turf...there are some good things about less snow!
Fun facts...things we did in January that were unusual: doggie bath on the driveway...riding a bike...pulling weeds?! Yep, there were weeds growing... as well as several perennials, sprouting leaves at the base of dried stems. It's a novelty I choose to embrace rather than complain about. I do prefer the white, reflectiveness of snow but I do not miss shoveling it...as I did this morning!
I love this season. There's time for rest, slowing down, ruminating on a year gone by. One of my goals has been decluttering the accumulation hiding in closets and forgotten bins. The absence of snow and warmer temps have motivated me to clear stuff out: recycle, donate, sell...whatever makes sense for the item in question. It has freed up space not only in my house but also in my mind and heart. There is now more room for new things to come in.
Winter also means vacation. This time we did something different. We spent the break with our extended family in Gulf Shores, AL. The sugar sand, salty air and turquoise water were just what we needed. Not every day over Christmas was warm but we had a few gems in the week that we stayed. Had a fabulous upgrade of a house, on the beach, due to some booking issues...which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. A fun-filled week of walking the beach, fishing, collecting shells and discovering the marine life that washed ashore. Love the tradition of venturing to warmer lands!
And while indoors, I enjoy a good book and the ambience of the fire in our stove...the string of lights, brightening up the dark corners, just enough...time with family...playing games, hanging out.
I hope you're finding 'ways to winter' that bring you joy and contentment. A quote to ponder:
"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing that I can do or any kindness I can show to a fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."--(unknown, possibly a Quaker proverb.)
Cheers,
LP
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